Tuesday, August 16 2005 14:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government is in the process of setting up an independent high-level inquiry committee to look into circumstances leading to the devastating fire in Mumbai High oil platform last month, the Lok Sabha was informed today (Aug 16, 2005).

A final decision on whether it should be a judicial inquiry or a probe by experts would be taken after ascertaining the views of MPs, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said responding to a calling attention motion moved by Shiv Sena member Mohan Rawale.

The Minister said 11 persons lost their lives in the accident and an equal number were reported missing. The ONGC board has decided to award full compensation to the families of 22 persons.

He said ONGC has also decided to give employment to one person from the immediate family of those who died in the accident.

The Minister said relevant agencies would be asked to assist and provide their expertise to the probe panel. These include Flag Officer Defence Advisory Group and Advisor Offshore Security and Defence to the Government, DG, Shipping and chief of the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons besides an insurance representative.

Aiyar said an internal inquiry into the causes of the accident has been already ordered by ONGC. The inquiry panel, headed by S K Manglik, former ONGC Chairman, has been asked to submit its report by October this year.